So I'm new to the HD scene (relatively, last december) and I just found out that my provider (TW in NYC) has different HD receivers. I thought it would just be with or without HD but no variations between the types. Is there an easy way of finding out what my options are? I have a feeling if I call them up, I'm going to get a clueless operator.
I'm basically looking for a receiver that puts out a 16x9 signal through S-video. I've only had scientific atlanta converters since I moved here.
cseyer
08-01-05, 01:44 PM
You cant get a HD signal in 16x9 through S-video. S-video only passes 480i. For HD you need Component, DVI(or one of the variants), or Firewire.
digitalfreaknyc
08-01-05, 03:19 PM
You cant get a HD signal in 16x9 through S-video. S-video only passes 480i. For HD you need Component, DVI(or one of the variants), or Firewire.
Wrong. It won't be HD but it will be 16x9. SA receivers won't do it over S-video but others will. In order to record 16x9 on my DVD recorder I need to get one of those.
Spiky
08-01-05, 04:18 PM
Only easy way to find out is somebody who KNOWS about your locality specifically. If you know somebody, good. Otherwise, CSR roulette. And it will be changing all the time anyway. TWC and Comcast are now merging.
I'd recommend a DVR, but I know little else for your situation.
digitalfreaknyc
08-01-05, 04:52 PM
Only easy way to find out is somebody who KNOWS about your locality specifically. If you know somebody, good. Otherwise, CSR roulette. And it will be changing all the time anyway. TWC and Comcast are now merging.
I'd recommend a DVR, but I know little else for your situation.
Don't have the money for DVR. My cable bill is already over $100 without ANY premium channels and a DVR still won't help the situation. I need this for recording onto DVD-R. I already have a recorder.
Where was the info about TWC and Comcast merging? And how would that affect my cable boxes? lol
cseyer
08-01-05, 05:50 PM
Wrong. It won't be HD but it will be 16x9. SA receivers won't do it over S-video but others will. In order to record 16x9 on my DVD recorder I need to get one of those.
So you want the box to give HD to the TV and a 16x9 SD picture to the DVD Recorder via S-video? I stand by my statement 480i is a 4:3 aspect ratio signal. You may be able to get an analog 4:3 signal with a black bars that looks like 16x9 but it wont be 16x9, no way to do that over composite or s-video that I am aware of.
chipmac
08-01-05, 07:22 PM
So you want the box to give HD to the TV and a 16x9 SD picture to the DVD Recorder via S-video? I stand by my statement 480i is a 4:3 aspect ratio signal. You may be able to get an analog 4:3 signal with a black bars that looks like 16x9 but it wont be 16x9, no way to do that over composite or s-video that I am aware of.
That sounds about right. I do the same sometimes with my Motorala HD STB when I feed the HD signal to my VCR since I can't a DVR from my cable company. The component output feeds a 16:9 HD signal to the HDTV and the Svideo or composite out can feed an SD 480i 4:3 signal of the same channel to the VCR. The SD feed adds black bars to the original 16:9 signal on output to the VCR resulting in a 4:3 recorded image. So if his SA box works similar he can't get a 16:9 SD signal output from the STB via Svideo.
digitalfreaknyc
08-02-05, 10:25 AM
You guys are wrong. Check AVSforums. A 16x9 signal is output via S-video with pioneer receivers amongst others. You record in 16x9.
Adam Tyner
08-02-05, 10:46 AM
You guys are wrong. Check AVSforums. A 16x9 signal is output via S-video with pioneer receivers amongst others. You record in 16x9.:nods: Most HD set top boxes should downconvert.
digitalfreaknyc
08-02-05, 11:17 AM
:nods: Most HD set top boxes should downconvert.
Unfortunately, Scientific Atlanta (which TWC uses almost exclusively) does not. :(
Looks like I'll give them a call tonight and see what my other options are and on Friday, go down and exchange the box for a different one.
Spiky
08-02-05, 12:44 PM
I'm not sure about the 16:9 thing, but I do know that you can record anamorphic over an Svideo connection with capable DVDRs, unlike mine.:( I just don't know if it depends on the source's output or just the DVDR. I think it may depend more on the ORIGINAL source, NBC/HBO/etc. I suppose HD material is no problem.
I mentioned DVR because they are much more useful than regular receivers. They are also the same or barely more $$/month than a regular HD box when talking about cable companies. From DirecTV they are the same price with programming like you have. You'll have to check the prices since they are different everywhere. You can substitute a DVDR/HDD for the true DVR a bit, but with the cable DVR you'll have HD recorded to watch/archive whenever you get time. Frees up your schedule. And, since most are now 2-tuner, allows you to get a couple shows at once.
I can say my DirecTV box does not downconvert UNLESS I switch it manually, but then the component/HDMI outputs are also 480i, ruining watching. Now, I have the HDTivo, so I can watch it in HD, then set it to 480i to burn to disc at a different time. I think this is fairly common that you can't output both 480i and HD res at the same time. Another good reason for the DVR if that is true with the TWC boxes, too.
chipmac
08-03-05, 01:05 AM
You guys are wrong. Check AVSforums. A 16x9 signal is output via S-video with pioneer receivers amongst others. You record in 16x9.
Got a link?
I've never heard of anyone recording a 16:9 SD image to a VCR, TIVO like device or a DVD recorder without the black bars being added or the image being squeezed. If the recorder can record in anamorphic or enhanced for 16:9 mode and the HD receiver is capable of simply down converting the 16:9 HD signal then that's different than recording it as 16:9 SD that has been down converted from 16:9 HD. If recording in anamorphic mode is what you're looking to do than the resulting image is 4:3 on the recording but it's anamorphicly squeezed.
digitalfreaknyc
08-03-05, 09:51 AM
Got a link?
I've never heard of anyone recording a 16:9 SD image to a VCR, TIVO like device or a DVD recorder without the black bars being added or the image being squeezed. If the recorder can record in anamorphic or enhanced for 16:9 mode and the HD receiver is capable of simply down converting the 16:9 HD signal then that's different than recording it as 16:9 SD that has been down converted from 16:9 HD. If recording in anamorphic mode is what you're looking to do than the resulting image is 4:3 on the recording but it's anamorphicly squeezed.
Yeah i have a link. www.avsforum.com :) they're all over. It's very easy to find.
Yes, it's basically recording the image stretched...but that's also what commercial DVD's do as well.
It's very possible.
RockStrongo
08-03-05, 11:16 AM
You guys are wrong. Check AVSforums. A 16x9 signal is output via S-video with pioneer receivers amongst others. You record in 16x9.
My dishnetwork HD receiver is connected via DVI (beautiful hd) and S-video....the hd channels on s-video are not 16x9 and do have the black bars.
digitalfreaknyc
08-03-05, 11:34 AM
My dishnetwork HD receiver is connected via DVI (beautiful hd) and S-video....the hd channels on s-video are not 16x9 and do have the black bars.
That receiver may not transmit a 16x9 signal via s-video. As stated before, some do and some don't. You have to do research on each.
RockStrongo
08-03-05, 11:49 AM
That receiver may not transmit a 16x9 signal via s-video. As stated before, some do and some don't. You have to do research on each.
Yeah, its no big deal to me....i always use my DVI, but have the s-video for secondary purposes.
I was just posting my experience. Good luck with your project.
digitalfreaknyc
08-03-05, 11:53 AM
Yeah, its no big deal to me....i always use my DVI, but have the s-video for secondary purposes.
I was just posting my experience. Good luck with your project.
Thanks, man. Well, I always use my DVI as well but for things that I want to record that are 16x9, this would be a sweet alternative.
RockStrongo
08-03-05, 12:01 PM
Thanks, man. Well, I always use my DVI as well but for things that I want to record that are 16x9, this would be a sweet alternative.
Have you thought about getting a DVD recorder? Then you could use component or better.
digitalfreaknyc
08-03-05, 12:08 PM
Have you thought about getting a DVD recorder? Then you could use component or better.
Uhh..what do you think this whole thread is about? Check my posts above.
Its about RECORDING onto DVD-R in 16x9 via s-video. Most recorders don't have component in.
RockStrongo
08-03-05, 12:34 PM
Uhh..what do you think this whole thread is about? Check my posts above.
Its about RECORDING onto DVD-R in 16x9 via s-video. Most recorders don't have component in.
Ah, im sorry, I skimmed...I thought you might have been talking about a s-video VCR.
I didnt realize that most DVD Recorders dont have component.
digitalfreaknyc
08-03-05, 12:40 PM
Ah, im sorry, I skimmed...I thought you might have been talking about a s-video VCR.
I didnt realize that most DVD Recorders dont have component.
Nope. I actually dont' know of ANY that do...but i'm sure they're out there.
I don't even use my VHS any more. Haven't used regular VHS in probably 6 years at least. I had SVHS before that. I'm a quality whore.
RockStrongo
08-03-05, 12:44 PM
Nope. I actually dont' know of ANY that do...but i'm sure they're out there.
I don't even use my VHS any more. Haven't used regular VHS in probably 6 years at least. I had SVHS before that. I'm a quality whore.
Yeah, my VCR is in the closet and has been in there for about 5-6 years also.
Spiky
08-03-05, 12:51 PM
I think there are 2 or something like that. And they don't offer any improvement over Svideo according to comments I've read. A Sony and a lesser brand, IIRC. If you're truly interested, search the DVDR forum at AVS. That's where I read about them, but I don't think there's been much discussion lately.
digitalfreaknyc
08-03-05, 12:53 PM
I think there are 2 or something like that. And they don't offer any improvement over Svideo according to comments I've read. A Sony and a lesser brand, IIRC. If you're truly interested, search the DVDR forum at AVS. That's where I read about them, but I don't think there's been much discussion lately.
There are 2 what?
Nope...Pioneer is one of them and people are specifically searching them out. 16x9 will ALWAYS give you more resolution.
RockStrongo
08-03-05, 01:01 PM
Wow, thats surprising to me....ive never looked into getting a dvd recorder, but I assumed that the technology was modern enough to have component as a norm. Now I know. Thanks for the info guys. ;)
digitalfreaknyc
08-03-05, 01:02 PM
Wow, thats surprising to me....ive never looked into getting a dvd recorder, but I assumed that the technology was modern enough to have component as a norm. Now I know. Thanks for the info guys. ;)
Yes. No component IN and no digital audio IN either. can't record 5.1
Spiky
08-03-05, 03:36 PM
I meant 2 machines with component in. I think the Sony HX900 and a couple Philips models. Probably some clones of those from other mfgrs. Which is more than 2.
chipmac
08-03-05, 10:36 PM
Yeah i have a link. www.avsforum.com :) they're all over. It's very easy to find.
Yes, it's basically recording the image stretched...but that's also what commercial DVD's do as well.
It's very possible.
I meant do you have a link to the discussion of these receivers or recorders on the other site. We're trying to help you so you should make it easier by posting links to the discussion not just to AVS.com's web site. Why make us go there and search where we might not being reading the same discussion you're referring to?
And by the way commercial DVDs are recorded anamorphicly stretched and stored on disc in the 4:3 AR. So they're not recorded in the 16:9 ratio that your original question led me (and others here I believe) to what you're looking for. 16:9 is more generally referred to as an aspect ratio and not just to mean that something is anamorphic.
So when you asked "I'm basically looking for a receiver that puts out a 16x9 signal through S-video. I've only had scientific atlanta converters since I moved here." it sounds like you what to record that AR. If the receiver is sending out the 16:9 signal anamorphicly to be recorded as 4:3 that's one thing but remember that a 16:9 HD signal is not anamorphic to begin with.
What you seem to be looking for is a HD receiver that will send out the down converted HD signal through Svideo anamorphicly squeezed and not add the black bars. Then the recorder you choose to use will record the anamorphic 480i SD signal so you can replay it without zooming or stretching. Is this correct?
cseyer
08-04-05, 08:51 AM
I think I finally understand what DFNYC is asking, send a stretched anamorphic signal via s-video to the dvd recorder. I am a frequent reader of all home theater and especially AVS forum and I dont know of a DVD recorder that will let you flag a disc as anamorphic. So if you do find a cable box that puts out a nonstandard anamorphic svideo signal (still not convinced thats possible) how would you get your dvd recorder to flag it as anamorphic?
A better solution IMO is to get a DVHS deck, they can record a true HD signal in 16x9.
digitalfreaknyc
08-04-05, 09:17 AM
What you seem to be looking for is a HD receiver that will send out the down converted HD signal through Svideo anamorphicly squeezed and not add the black bars. Then the recorder you choose to use will record the anamorphic 480i SD signal so you can replay it without zooming or stretching. Is this correct?
Si. Unfortunately, I don't believe there are specific threads about recording in 16x9 although I may be wrong. There are only specific threads about the receivers that will send a signal out through S-video.
I think I finally understand what DFNYC is asking, send a stretched anamorphic signal via s-video to the dvd recorder. I am a frequent reader of all home theater and especially AVS forum and I dont know of a DVD recorder that will let you flag a disc as anamorphic. So if you do find a cable box that puts out a nonstandard anamorphic svideo signal (still not convinced thats possible) how would you get your dvd recorder to flag it as anamorphic?
From what I know, all you have to do is set your player to 16x9. Willy Nilly. But I've also heard that you have to change something on the final burn in your PC. Not a problem since I use that to do most of my audio/video editing and to make menus.
A better solution IMO is to get a DVHS deck, they can record a true HD signal in 16x9.
Not a chance I'm investing in a format that will be dead soon and is also tape based.
digitalfreaknyc
08-11-05, 09:45 PM
Btw...just picked up my Pioneer receiver today.
FANTASTIC! Has firewire out AND now i can record in 16x9 on my home recorder! Great picture!
FantasticVSDoom
08-11-05, 10:15 PM
Btw...just picked up my Pioneer receiver today.
FANTASTIC! Has firewire out AND now i can record in 16x9 on my home recorder! Great picture!
Did you get this from TWC? What is the model number because I wouldnt mind picking up one with firewire out on it...
digitalfreaknyc
08-11-05, 10:22 PM
Did you get this from TWC? What is the model number because I wouldnt mind picking up one with firewire out on it...
There's only one ;) You just switch it out. I was in and out in about 5 minutes today. My quickest time EVER with them. What are YOU planning on using it for?
FantasticVSDoom
08-11-05, 11:24 PM
Well my dvd recorder has firewire in and Im going to be building a Media Center PC in the next few months and that might come in handy...Plus my HD box now has to be reset at least 2-3 times a week.
digitalfreaknyc
08-12-05, 01:47 PM
ok I lied. It doesn't have Firewire. It has USB. WTF??
SINGLE104
08-17-05, 01:12 AM
Don't have the money for DVR. My cable bill is already over $100 without ANY premium channels and a DVR still won't help the situation. I need this for recording onto DVD-R. I already have a recorder.
Where was the info about TWC and Comcast merging? And how would that affect my cable boxes? lol
Have you ever considered getting: Directv or Dish Network? Their services would be a lot cheaper, and so much better than cable. All channels are 100% digital.
Spiky
08-17-05, 10:13 AM
Deleted.
SINGLE104
08-17-05, 02:52 PM
You should try reading the whole thread before replying. And you should try looking at the TV market, too. It isn't 1999 anymore. I'm even considering cable to IMPROVE picture quality, and I detest them.
FYI! I happen to read the entire thread, and everyone is entitle to their personal opinion, and it's not mandatory to rule on the concensus of the forum, positive or negative. And if you strongly disagree on anyone's reply that's your perogative.
Certainly just because you don't agree with my reply, does not make you politically correct. Some consumers prefer cable, and some prefer satellite, to each it's own. It all depend on your personal preference. And besides, I do know that it's not nineteen ninety nine anymore, I am not an imbecile. And due to your frequent replies to every thread on this forum, I get the impression that you endeavor to monopolize, and you must realize that you are not the only member who'll have the right to voice their opinions, whether you concur with them or not.
RockStrongo
08-17-05, 03:04 PM
I'm even considering cable to IMPROVE picture quality, and I detest them.
I tried digital cable/hd with my local cable company (while retaining DISH). DISH still looked better on my Sammy DLP. SD channels looked better whereas HD looked the same on both.
Once everything is in hd (or if you only watch hd now), then cable will become an option again. Until then, im sticking with Dish (ugh).
Spiky
08-18-05, 01:43 PM
FYI! I happen to read the entire thread, and everyone is entitle to their personal opinion, and it's not mandatory to rule on the concensus of the forum, positive or negative. And if you strongly disagree on anyone's reply that's your perogative.
Certainly just because you don't agree with my reply, does not make you politically correct. Some consumers prefer cable, and some prefer satellite, to each it's own. It all depend on your personal preference. And besides, I do know that it's not nineteen ninety nine anymore, I am not an imbecile. And due to your frequent replies to every thread on this forum, I get the impression that you endeavor to monopolize, and you must realize that you are not the only member who'll have the right to voice their opinions, whether you concur with them or not.
deleted personal attack
SINGLE104
08-18-05, 02:42 PM
deleted personal attack
So your expericing an intolerable week, well that's life in general. Just for the record, I am strictly not trying to persuade you to accept any of my opinions, as I am to yours. This website has been created for all members to obtain, and comment on various subjects matters without being personally insulted.
If you wish to reply with any further asinine, disparaging remarks, this is the inappropriate allocation for such written confortations to take place.
This discussion has been officially concluded, irrelevance to original topic of thread.
digitalfreaknyc
08-18-05, 04:37 PM
Have you ever considered getting: Directv or Dish Network? Their services would be a lot cheaper, and so much better than cable. All channels are 100% digital.
Living in NYC, that ain't an option. At one point, I had an apt that allowed me to have DirecTV but I have to say, my reception is better with digital cable.
Buy: